Business Development Manager

What You’ll Do:
The Business Development Manager, Space Initiatives is a strategic business leader responsible for positioning SES Space & Defense as a trusted partner for next-generation sovereign space capabilities supporting the U.S. Government and allied nations. This role identifies, shapes, and advances new growth opportunities centered on end-to-end space and network solutions, helping customers solve increasingly complex mission challenges through innovative commercial space technologies. Working across SES Space & Defense and the broader SES organization, the successful candidate will help define long-term growth strategies, develop new business opportunities, and influence future space architectures that expand the company's position in the government market. The role requires close collaboration with customers, industry partners, engineering organizations, and executive leadership to translate emerging mission needs into viable business opportunities. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced business development leader who combines deep knowledge of the national security space market with the ability to shape strategy, influence investment decisions, and drive long-term growth.

Position SES Space & Defense and SES as a leader within the Sovereign Space market
Lead next-generation business development programs delivering end-to-end space-based network and satellite solutions
Support proposal development efforts, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, through the business capture process while coordinating subcontractors, consultants, and internal team members
Develop and maintain relationships with U.S. Government organizations, industry partners, satellite operators, competitors, and vendors to identify strategic market opportunities
Perform U.S. Government market analyses, including mid- and long-term forecasts for SATCOM bandwidth demand, technology evolution, and emerging market trends
Develop SES Space & Defense strategies, initiatives, and investment recommendations supporting the organization's strategic goals and financial objectives
Identify, qualify, and develop mid- and long-term opportunities related to space relay services and other space-segment growth initiatives while coordinating with government, allied, and industry partners
Work with senior leadership to identify, qualify, and execute strategic opportunities, including alliances, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and other revenue-generating initiatives
Attend trade shows, conferences, customer engagements, and industry events as required
Who You Are:
You are a strategic business development leader with a deep understanding of the national security space market and the ability to translate emerging customer requirements into long-term business growth. You thrive at the intersection of government missions, commercial innovation, and corporate strategy, building trusted relationships that influence future space capabilities and investment decisions. You are equally comfortable engaging executive leadership, government stakeholders, engineering teams, and industry partners to shape opportunities from concept through capture. Your background combines technical credibility with strong business acumen, allowing you to evaluate market trends, identify strategic gaps, and develop differentiated growth strategies. Most importantly, you are motivated by advancing resilient space architectures and helping government customers solve tomorrow's mission challenges through innovative commercial space solutions.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Business, Communications, or another related technical or business discipline
Advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience within the satellite, telecommunications, or space industry
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with the ability to maintain eligibility
Advanced knowledge of commercial space-based solutions supporting U.S. Government missions, including space data relay services
Experience working with U.S. Government customers and acquisition processes
Demonstrated leadership experience in business development, capture management, sales, marketing, and organizational growth strategies
Understanding of DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE), DoD 5000 acquisition processes, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) procurements
Ability to develop business opportunities with U.S. allies, coalition partners, and international government customers
Knowledge of U.S. national security space architectures and mission areas, including MILSATCOM, Space Data Networks, Missile Warning and Tracking, and resilient space systems
Knowledge of satellite industry trends, emerging technologies, and strategic market initiatives
Strong ability to drive revenue growth and execute strategic business initiatives
Outstanding organizational, analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong understanding of customer needs, competitive positioning, and market dynamics
Ability to interpret government contracts and translate customer requirements into business opportunities
Strong understanding of U.S. Government capture management processes
Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support customers and business initiatives
Experience identifying, qualifying, and developing strategic business opportunities
Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools and processes
Familiarity with U.S. Government Information Assurance standards and practices
Experience developing and executing strategic business plans
Extensive network of relationships across the commercial space and U.S. Government sectors